Algae Issue

[Maltimomma]

My tanks have algae on the sides of the tanks and on the gravel in one tank. Has anyone used API AlgaeFix and if so, does it work. Will it hurt my fish or plants.

 

[siva]

No you want to figure out what is causing the problem and not look for a band-aid for it. An additive to remove algae could just lead to more issues. How many hours a day is the light on?

 

[Maltimomma]

Algae

Around 12 hrs a day. My lighting is just the fluorescent bulbs that come with the Top Fin tanks at PetSmart. I'm currently buying live plants. I'm considering buying Aqua Glo 18000K bulbs, which I'm concerned will cause more algae. All of my params are normal and I do pwc about twice a week.

 

[siva]

I often keep my tank lights on for that long as well which can lead to algae. Scrape the algae off and cut lights back to 8 hours a day. That is likely to resolve the issue. Also make sure the tank isn't catching sunlight. And/or if there's room in the tank you could add an algae eater.

 

[new to the scene]

Algefix does work but Like previously sated it will return if the problem causing the algae is not fixed. I would clean it really well off the glass with the scrapper and do a vacuum clean of the gravel to remove that algae. DONT get the plants until it's gone IMO you will probably get black beard algae and that's a pain and kills your plants, if not the algae you have now will just cover you plants killing them as well. If your algae still keeps coming back after you cleaned it the try doing a black out another reason to wait on plants. If none of this works try getting a phosphate remover for your filter. Stopping one part of the cycle of algae is the way to go. Kill the food or kill the lights DON'T OVER FEED either

 

[NYgiantsRP]

1) feed less
2) less light
3) gets some algae eaters
4) check all of your levels (nit,am,ph...)

I used API aleafix with plants. It's works, but I change up the doses, with the three week method. full dose one week half dose the next none the last. I don't have much algae at all.

 

[new to the scene]

I'm not a fan of getting algae eaters. I see it *** a band-aid as stated above. Not the best looking fish and it's an organic algae fix in a way. Plus ounce you have them you can't just throw them away when the deed is done

 

[ellymay21]

That's exactly what I used for my tank. It worked wonders. Mad my tank super clear. I would tell anyone to use it

 

[aqua_chem]

1) feed less
2) less light
3) gets some algae eaters
4) check all of your levels (nit,am,ph...)

I used API aleafix with plants. It's works, but I change up the doses, with the three week method. full dose one week half dose the next none the last. I don't have much algae at all.

Don't buy algae eaters when you can fix a problem the old fashioned way.

 

[TyTy98]

I forget the name of these fish, but I will post a picture. They actually do work!!

 

[TyTy98]

This little guy!

 

[Maltimomma]

I forget the name of these fish, but I will post a picture. They actually do work!!

Right now in my 29g I have 3 oto. I had chinese algae eaters, but after reading up on them I rehomed them because of they suck on other fish and can kill them. The oto just work and work and are cute and peaceful. in my 55g I have a bn and will be adding a second one.

 

[Decaf]

A pair of otocinclus will do the trick. Mine are always together, removing algae (i cannot get rid of the sunlight because I have houseplants that need high light)

 

[Maltimomma]

A pair of otocinclus will do the trick. Mine are always together, removing algae (i cannot get rid of the sunlight because I have houseplants that need high light)

I love my little otos and they are workers. I'm getting more. Sunlight is a problem in my house too. No solution to that one.